Sleep Problems

What is a Sleeping Disorder

While sleep is absolutely
essential for normal, healthy functioning, most people experience sleep
problems, commonly referred to as insomnia, at some stage in their lives.
Different people require different amounts of sleep. Some adults can routinely
get by on as little as four hours sleep and others may require more than
ten hours. Babies and very young children sleep for up to 16 hours per
day.

As we get older we require
less sleep and many people over 70 years of age can happily exist on six
hours sleep per day

There are many sleeping
disorders that are classified into three broad categories:

Insomnia :

Lack of sleep

Sleep Apnoea :

Interrupted sleep

Narcolepsy :

Over-sleeping

Insomnia is the most common
sleep disorder and it is this difficulty that is dealt with here. Lack
of sleep occurs more often in women and in elderly people, but it sleep
problems affect children and men also.

What Causes Sleep Problems ?

Sleep difficulties, or
insomnia, have a variety of causes. Here are some of the main reasons
why people have problems sleeping.

Anxiety, Stress& Worry

People that cannot turn
off from issues that are causing them stress
or anxiety often have difficulty getting to
sleep. If something is preying on your mind, causing you to worry, it
can be difficult to get off to sleep and even if you do it your sleep
may be restless.

Effect of Ageing Can Cause
Sleep Problems

As people get older they
naturally require less sleep. This is because their lives become more
sedentary and the body requires less rest. Snoozing during the day can
also be a contributory factor as a lot of older people find that it is
easy to catnap thereby reducing the need for sleep when they go to bed.
If this is something that affects you it is important recognise this and
not to fret or to be concerned. This may add to your sleeplessness at
night.

Medical Reasons for Sleep
Problems

There are a number of medical
conditions that can lead to sleep disturbance. Some of these may also
be age-related such as frequency of urination throughout the night. About
two-thirds of pensioners need to visit the toilet at least once during
the night. This is also something that affects pregnant women and getting
back to sleep can be difficult which leads to frustration which, in turn,
compounds the sleeping difficulty.

Any form of pain
or physical disorder can run interference with your sleeping patterns.
Many medical conditions including back pain,
arthritis, broken limbs, headaches, and a frozen
shoulder can all make falling asleep, and staying asleep, problematic.
Some medications prescribed for other conditions may also cause restless
sleep and if you suspect this may be a contributory factor to your disturbed
sleep please consult with your GP.

Emotional or Relationship
Problems as a Cause of Insomnia

Emotional or relationship
problems are a common cause of sleep loss. Humans are highly emotional
beings and any upset in our relationships can be very disruptive in our
lives in general, and to our sleep patterns specifically. Bereavement
and relationship breakdown are two primary causes of insomnia.

Environmental Issues that
can Cause Difficulties Sleeping

Some people find it difficult
to get restful sleep when in a strange bed or in a different environment.
These are usually short term issues however it is important to pay attention
to your bedroom environment and eliminate any factors that might disturb
your sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Problems

Sleeplessness affects
almost everyone at some stage and if it is a short-lived episode that
does not regularly occur then this is nothing about which to be concerned.
However some people have problems distinguishing between one-off events
or the beginnings of a sleep problem that may become chronic. If you can
relate to some or all of the following symptoms you may be suffering from
a sleep disorder:

Struggle to stay awake when watching
TV, reading, driving, or in any seated situation

Feeling irritable and / or snoozy

Slowness of reaction to situations

Prone to emotional displays

feel the need to have a daily snooze

Lack concentration

Look tired or drained - your family
or friends will point this out to you

Regularly use coffee, tea or products
such as Red Bull, to give a boost throughout the day

How to Prevent Sleep Problems

In many cases it is possible
to avoid insomnia or sleep difficulties by making the right lifestyle
choices and .

Curtail your consumption of stimulants
such as tea, coffee, caffeine drinks, alcohol and cigarettes. Do
not have any caffeine for eight hours before you go to bed and do
not drink too much alcohol as it interferes with the quality of
your sleep.

Take regular exercise but nothing
too vigorous just before bedtime.

Turn off all electronic equipment
about one hour before you go to bed. This includes the TV, video
games, PC etc.

Try to avoid sleeping during the
day and try to adhere to a regular bedtime routine.

Make sure that your bedroom is dark,
quiet and at a comfortable temperature. If your bedroom is too warm
and you need to open a window try using ear plugs to keep. Heavy
drapes and / or an eye mask help yo ensure total darkness.

Sleep Problems Treatment

The best way to deal with
sleep problems is to prevent them occurring a by adopting the prevention
measures above. However some sleep disorders are actually symptoms of
other underlying medical conditions. Usually the treatment for the underlying
condition eventually addresses the associated sleeping problems.

Sleeping pills have a role
to play in chronic sleep disorder cases and for once-off events but should
not be used continuously. The pills that are used to induce drowsiness
are often the same as those used to relieve anxiety. The most common anxiety
drugs and sleeping tablets are the benzodiazepines, which enhance the
effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. The
benzodiazepines used as sleeping pills include diazepam (Valium) and temazepam
(Restoril). Sufferers may quickly develop a tolerance to this drugs and
should not be used on a long term basis.

How to Cure Sleep Problems

There is generally no single
cure for sleep problems. Prevention measures are the most realistic avenues
for many people. Conventional medicine has made some advances in diagnosing
the causes of, and treating sleep problems however very many people turn
to complementary and alternative treatments. Highly successful therapies
include Reiki, Kinesiology,
CranioSacral, and Homeopathy.
If you have tried conventional methods without finding an sleep problem
cure there are a number of complementary
therapists listed on this site that may have the solution to your
skin difficulties.

Disclaimer

The material and information contained on this site is for educational
purposes only. This information should not be interpreted as any
form of medical advice. If you are experiencing any medical or health
difficulties please consult with your doctor.